JTBC’s upcoming workplace drama The Dream Life of Mr. Kim promises to strike a chord with anyone who’s ever questioned their career trajectory. Starring the versatile Ryu Seung Ryong, this webtoon-based series explores the midlife crisis of a corporate veteran who must redefine success on his own terms. Premiering October 25, 2025, the drama offers both humor and heartache in equal measure.
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The Dream Life: Drama Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Dream Life of Mr. Kim |
| Korean Title | 김부장의 꿈같은 생활 |
| Network | JTBC |
| Premiere Date | October 25, 2025 |
| Air Time | 10:40 PM KST (Fridays) |
| Episodes | TBA |
| Lead Actor | Ryu Seung Ryong |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Slice of Life |
| Source | Webtoon adaptation |
Meet Kim Nak Soo: The Everyman Executive
Ryu Seung Ryong transforms into Kim Nak Soo, a 25-year veteran of ACT Corporation who seemingly has it all. As head of Sales Team 1, he’s climbed the corporate ladder through relentless dedication, achieving the Korean dream: a Seoul apartment, a homemaker wife, and a son attending a prestigious university.
Yet beneath this picture-perfect exterior lies a man at a crossroads. Kim Nak Soo has never missed a promotion in his entire career—a testament to his unwavering work ethic. Now, he’s gunning for the ultimate prize: an executive position. But the leap from department head to executive demands more than just hard work; it requires a breakthrough he may not be prepared to make.
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The Human Documentary Format
What sets The Dream Life of Mr. Kim apart is its unique storytelling approach. The newly released stills reveal a “Human Documentary: Life Theater” framing device, complete with captions describing Kim Nak Soo’s background and personality traits. This meta-narrative style promises to blur the line between drama and reality, making Kim Nak Soo’s struggles feel intimately familiar.
The images capture the exhausting duality of his existence: dispensing old-fashioned advice to younger colleagues during the day, then shuffling home with slumped shoulders after receiving reprimands from superiors. It’s a painfully relatable portrait of the modern corporate warrior—caught between maintaining authority and accepting subordination.
A Story of Self-Discovery
Based on a popular webtoon, the drama follows Kim Nak Soo’s journey after losing everything he once considered valuable. This catalyst forces him to confront an uncomfortable truth: his worth doesn’t depend on his business card or job title. The narrative explores whether he can embrace his authentic self after decades of defining himself through corporate achievement.
This theme resonates powerfully in South Korea’s intense work culture, where professional identity often eclipses personal identity. Kim Nak Soo represents countless middle-aged workers questioning whether the sacrifices were worth it.
Discover more slice-of-life K-dramas on our drama reviews section.
Why Ryu Seung Ryong Is Perfect for This Role
Known for his versatility in films like Extreme Job, Miracle in Cell No. 7, and The Roundup, Ryu Seung Ryong excels at portraying ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. His ability to balance comedy and pathos makes him ideal for Kim Nak Soo—a character who must be simultaneously sympathetic and flawed.
The actor’s everyman appeal allows viewers to see their own fathers, colleagues, or future selves in Kim Nak Soo. His trademark warmth and vulnerability will likely elevate what could have been a standard midlife crisis narrative into something genuinely moving.
What to Expect
Early promotional materials suggest a dramedy tone mixing workplace satire with emotional depth. Expect:
- Authentic Office Politics: Realistic portrayal of corporate hierarchies and power dynamics
- Generational Conflicts: Clashes between traditional and modern work values
- Family Dynamics: How career obsession impacts personal relationships
- Self-Reflection: Philosophical questions about success, happiness, and identity
The documentary-style presentation hints at breaking the fourth wall, potentially offering Kim Nak Soo’s internal monologue or direct addresses to viewers.
Where to Watch
The Dream Life of Mr. Kim airs on JTBC every Friday at 10:40 PM KST starting October 25. International viewers can likely stream it on platforms like Viki with subtitles, following JTBC’s typical distribution patterns for global audiences.
FAQs
Q: Is The Dream Life of Mr. Kim based on a true story?
A: No, it’s not based on a true story, but it is adapted from a Korean webtoon of the same name. While the characters and specific plot are fictional, the drama draws from universal experiences of corporate life in South Korea. The “Human Documentary” framing device is a stylistic choice to enhance relatability, not an indication that Kim Nak Soo is a real person. However, the webtoon’s popularity suggests its themes resonate deeply with real office workers’ experiences.
Q: Will The Dream Life of Mr. Kim be available with English subtitles?
A: Yes, JTBC dramas typically receive English subtitles through official streaming partners. Viki frequently licenses JTBC content and provides community-contributed subtitles in multiple languages, usually available within 24-48 hours of the Korean broadcast. Other platforms like Netflix may also acquire streaming rights depending on regional licensing agreements. Check your local streaming services or Viki’s upcoming drama schedule closer to the premiere date for confirmation.
